You woke me out of a sound sleep this morning, hours before the alarm was set to ring...you were desperately trying to tell me something...I wanted to hear you, to embrace you...to convince you you are loved, still.

Credit: LilaBiene

And you are remembered, not just on this day, which would have been your 80th birthday, but every single day.

Credit: LilaBiene

I don't know if you can see it, or feel it, or know it...but your soul is dancing, and lives on.

Credit: LilaBiene

Camila's second climbing lesson in Yosemite, guided by the multi-talented BooDawg and friend of Dolt's.

Credit: LilaBiene

Credit: LilaBiene

Sending you all our love, wherever you are...

This photo of Bill was taken by Tom Frost, and was given to us at the Oakdale Climbers Festival. It is impossible (at least at this point!) to put into words what it feels like to hold this picture in my hands.

I've never seen a close portrait photo of your father before. It's good to have a face now to go with the many stories.

I had a somewhat similar experience. The first Festival for the Ancestors in Japan after the Frank Sacherer memorial in the Valley, I dreamed two nights in a row that I was visiting again with his parents in San Francisco. We were sitting at the kitchen table in the sun room, talking and laughing for hours. I knew they were telling me they were happy with the way things had been handled.

Here's what's left of my Dolt metal collection other than bashies. Dolt pins were always special - I hated pounding on them. I left a fixed Dolt pin on Pea Soup at the Needles in 1970. It was pretty loose but could not get it out without breaking the thin lip of rock it was behind (1st pitch) so I didn't! I traded the Cobra hook for a belay seat back in the day. That was a deal! Does anyone know if he actually ever made any Gold Plated Pins mounted on Rosewood? He advertised them!

My profuse apologies for the up-side-down and otherwise screwy photos, which I hope I've now fixed. I had just a few minutes to post while inspiration had taken hold, and still get out the door to work this morning.

From my heart, I thank all of you for your thoughtful comments, for sharing your similar experiences and for sharing this journey with the muppet and me.

Nita: I'm looking forward to next year, already, too!!!

Crusher: The muppet LOVES your book (we read a story or two most nights before bed) and that picture of her with the book is priceless! Thank you over and over, again.

McHale's Navy: I would love to know about that last bong (I think?) at the bottom of your picture -- that looks like it has some great stories to tell. Thanks for sharing.